The Ethie, like many ships, never sailed without her dog Tang on board. There was one day in the Ethie’s history when Tang was of more value than any of the crew.
Of all dogs, the breed which is most famous for saving lives at sea is the Newfoundland. It is an obedient, strong, hard-working dog, loyally pulling sleighs and dragging wood for its master. Above all its other traits, however, it is known for its natural love of water. Its waterproof coat, webbed feet and great strength make it more suited than any other animal to be the companion of the island’s fishermen. Many fishermen refuse to sail a boat unless their dog goes with them.
A terrible storm was pushing the Ethie toward the rocks near the shore of Bonnie Bay, Newfoundland. Bravely the Ethie struggled on. Her engines were pounding so hard that the whole ship was shaking. She fought the storm with all her strength trying to reach the open water, but lost and struck the rocks.
Like an angry child breaking a toy, the continual crashing of the waves started breaking the ship apart. Rockets were fired to call for help. Rescue parties formed by the villagers came running along the shore, but the waves were too high for the men on the shore to reach the Ethie with lifeboats.
A brave member of the Ethie’s crew attempted to swim to shore, pulling the end of the lifeline, but the cruel waves dashed him to his death against the rocks.
Fear filled the men on the Ethie. The ship was being torn apart under their feet. They knew that soon they would be in the water and hopelessly lost.
Then the captain had an idea. He placed the lifeline in Tang’s mouth. “To shore, Tang!” the captain commanded. Tang leaped into the water only to be spun over and over in the waves among the rocks. He finally swam clear of the deadly rocks and, looking like a tiny black speck among the whitecaps, he swam for the shore. When he reached the shore, the rescue party gladly took the end of the lifeline from his mouth. Using this lifeline, they managed to save everyone on board the ship.
The crew was unable to save itself as the ship was being broken up. Isn’t it sad that the sailor tried to swim for shore? If only he had waited and relied on the dog, he would not have lost his life. He thought he could make it to the shore by his own strength in the angry tossing waves, but he was wrong.
There is something even sadder. Many people think they can save themselves from hell by their own strength. God tells us we are without strength because of our sinful nature. That is why God gave His Son, “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10). Do you realize you are lost and without strength? The Lord Jesus died on the cross at Calvary to save men and women from the awful penalty of their sin, eternal death. But the value of His death comes only to those who believe. “When we were... without strength... Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6).
ML-05/04/1986